Just after Stacy announces she is keeping Blake Hill House, winter responds in a very expensive way. She shares the latest twist in her restoration journey before welcoming Jessica Rhodes to discuss restoring an Italianate home in the public eye. They also talk about making decisions that serve real life, not just an audience. The episode concludes with the launch of a new listener feature exploring the state of preservation across the country.

First, Stacy reflects on the reality that Mother Nature always wins and old houses respond on their own terms. A recent challenge at Blake Hill House opens the episode.

Then, Jessica Rhodes joins Stacy to talk about restoring Danascara Place, her historic Italianate home in upstate New York. She shares the realities of renovating in public, how online attention shapes decision-making, the financial tightrope of owning an old house, and why community support matters more than we think.

Finally, Stacy reports on the magical week in Pine Mountain, Kentucky, that sparked a new podcast feature built around your voices. She asked one simple question: What is the state of restoration where you live? You'll hear a couple of the one-minute recordings collected so far. It is the beginning of a snapshot of preservation across the country.

Join Stacy on Substack.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.

Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. (Featured on ep. 164) Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.

Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.

Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order.

For years, you've followed Blake Hill House. In this episode, Stacy shares what's really been happening behind the scenes and how 2025 changed everything.

It was a year of pressure, progress, second-guessing, and more than a few moments that nearly broke her.

If you've been waiting for an update on Blake Hill House, this is the one.

Join Stacy on Substack

Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.

Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.

Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.

The Old House Shop – The Old House Shop is the store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order (excluding books).

In Daniel's final episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel wrap up past conversations, discuss how years of ghost stories have changed them, and share three new paranormal stories from historic homes.

Episode 174 marks the end of a chapter for True Tales From Old Houses as co-host Daniel Kanter records his final episode. Stacy and Daniel wrap up loose ends from earlier conversations and reflect on how years of ghost stories have changed the way two self-described agnostics handle the unexplained...just in case.

The episode also features three true ghost stories from historic homes across the U.S. Troy Thomas shares life in his 1897 Pennsylvania house, including a mysterious discovery that ties past and present together. Robert Killion returns to share experiences that challenged his lifelong skepticism, culminating in a deeply personal story of love, loss, and signs he believes came from his late wife. Finally, Tracey Coltrane reflects on restoring a haunted 1900 home and learning how coexistence, curiosity, and respect shaped a new kind of harmony.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.

Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.

Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.

Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order.

After an extended hiatus, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter return to True Tales From Old Houses to kick off Season 13 with personal updates, a major announcement from Daniel, and two ghost stories to celebrate a belated version of spooky season.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.

Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.

Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.

Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order.

A quick announcement from Stacy: Season 13 kicks off in February! Listen in to hear why the show is extending its hiatus and how you can connect with True Tales From Old Houses in the meantime.

In this season finale of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel look back on standout moments from Season 12, answer a listener question about bathroom ventilation, and reflect on what's next for the show.

Then, Kathryn Holloway joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey restoring a 12,000-square-foot historic home. Known online as To the Shire Born across social media, Kathryn uncovered a stunning tiled floor hidden beneath layers of old material. The unexpected discovery and subsequent restoration is one of her most widely-known projects, and it changed the trajectory of the entire renovation. With a background in graphic design and a passion for hands-on work, she talks about the joys and challenges of managing such a large restoration and the excitement of learning from skilled tradespeople. It's a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to bring a big old house back to life.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Join the waitlist! (closed 6/20/25)
• Buy a copy of The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows by Scott Sidler and Stacy Grinsfelder
• Window fan with reversible blades and thermostat (affiliate link)
• To the Shire Born - TikTok YouTube Instagram Facebook

In this final minisode of the season (Don't worry; there's still one more full episode on the way!), Stacy returns from Japan with tales of train travel, city-hopping, and family time. Each region had its own personality, and seeing the country through her son's eyes made the trip even more memorable.

Meanwhile, Daniel's been deep in renovation mode, helping another friend prepare a nursery. The room's first iteration was a hands-on learning experience, complete with a slightly crooked level and a few design choices that didn't turn out quite as planned. Now it's time to undo, redo, and simplify, and let's just say Daniel's tolerance for anything finicky is… limited. He prefers tools that work straight out of the box, not ones that need calibration and coaxing.

He and Stacy also compare notes on gardening—what's working, what's not, and why the weeds always seem one step ahead.

Plus, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who tuned in this season. We appreciate your questions, comments, and continued support.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Join the waitlist
• Preen weed preventer
• Scott's Triple Action Turf Builder
• 80% Vinegar Concentrate (for killing weeds)

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about what to do with an unused chimney. Should it stay or should it go? They weigh the pros and cons, sharing stories from their own restoration projects, and consider how to balance architectural integrity with practical updates, especially when a chimney no longer serves its original purpose.

Later, Stacy and Daniel chat with Olivia Wood, the eleventh-generation steward of Poplar Grove, a historic family home with deep roots. Olivia shares how she's embracing the responsibility of preservation while also making the space her own. From uncovering centuries-old documents, including ones related to the site's history with slavery, to navigating family dynamics and building a design team, Olivia's story is one of patience, creativity, and respect for the past. She also opens up about her growing confidence during the whole house renovation and her dream of turning Poplar Grove into a resource for historical education.

This episode is a reminder that old houses hold stories, decisions, and opportunities to shape the future by honoring the past.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Enter to win a signed copy of The Case for Historic Windows by Scott Sidler and Stacy Grinsfelder. (The giveaway ends 6/6/25.)
• Follow the Poplar Grove Project on Instagram.
• Follow Shannon Claire Interiors on Instagram.
• Learn more about the Slave Dwelling Project: Instagram | Website
• Sleeping with the Ancestors by Joseph McGill (book)

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Daniel and Stacy share updates from their latest old house projects, including a listener-favorite topic: linseed oil paint. Then, Stacy tells the story of a stubborn window repair that proves just how humbling glass cutting can be, especially when you have an audience. From cost-effective glass solutions to lessons learned the hard way, it's another lively conversation about the real-life joys and frustrations of restoring old houses.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Don't miss out! There are only three spots left.
• National Lustron Map - Find and Research Lustron Homes
• Enter to win a signed copy of The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy-Efficiency and Old Windows by Scott Sidler and Stacy Grinsfelder

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about original basement windows—save them or start fresh? They weigh the pros and cons of restoration versus replacement, and why there's often wiggle room instead of a clear-cut answer.

Then, the tables turn as Daniel puts Stacy, and special guest Scott Sidler, in the hot seat to talk about their new book, The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows. While they share a few behind-the-scenes stories from the long-distance co-writing process, the real heart of the conversation lies in the book's core message: keeping old windows isn't just a sentimental choice. It's a smart, sustainable one. Together, they unpack common myths about window performance, dive into the rarely explored (or understood!) concept of embodied carbon, and explain why understanding your actual utility usage matters more than chasing flashy energy claims.

Backed by hard data and surprising research findings, the book demonstrates that old windows have the potential to meet or even exceed the energy efficiency of many modern replacements, sometimes without a full restoration. From simple upgrades to complete rehabs, the book offers a range of practical solutions designed to help homeowners and pros make informed, ethical, and budget-conscious decisions that prioritize preservation and performance.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - It's almost sold out!
• Napisan Laundry Disinfectant
• Buy the book: The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows
• Enter to win a signed copy of The Case for Historic Windows by Scott Sidler & Stacy Grinsfelder